Rainbow mountains. Colored Hill: Rainbow Mountains in Peru

West Coast South America is almost completely covered by the giant Andes mountain range. And mountains, as you know, are the basis of stunning landscapes. Surrounding views turn out to be triple more amazing if it is the Rainbow Mountains.

There are many colorful mountains on our planet. And the territory of Peru is no exception, here you can also find colored and striped rocks. One of the most magnificent geological formations in the world is Mount Ausangat and the striped hills of the Peruvian Andes located in the area. They are located in a remote area of ​​​​southern Peru, 90 kilometers in a straight line east of famous city Cusco, and 250 kilometers northeast of legendary lake Titicaca.

Colors local mountains alternates, and are an amazing combination of brown, purple, turquoise, yellow and red rock layers. The mountains literally shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow. That is why they are called the Rainbow Mountains. In Peru, this is one of the most interesting and stunning attractions.

It is worth noting that often on the Internet, photographs of the Rainbow Mountains are retouched in order to give them additional charm. Here, for example, in the photo below, multi-colored mountains, in our opinion, after Photoshop.

However, the Rainbow Mountains are still an unimaginable sight. It's tens of kilometers colorful hills and mountain peaks. But special place Mount Vinicunca (in the original Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain) occupies here. This hill, about 700 meters long, most clearly demonstrates the layered multi-colored structure of the local geological area.
Vinicunca translated from local language Quechua Indians means "Rainbow Mountain" or "rainbow-colored mountain".

Who painted the mountains

As usual, the geological processes that took place here millions of years ago acted as an artist. Depending on the climate and the presence of various minerals and chemical elements in the rocks, the layers have a variety of colors.

The iridescent coloration in the layers of local mountains is largely due to weathering and mineralogy. For example, the red and orange colors of sedimentary layers often indicate the presence of iron oxide as the main mineral.

Multi-colored mountains lie at an altitude of about 5,200 meters above sea level.
Sometimes the Rainbow Mountain is called Mount Ausangat, 6384 meters high. It is located 12 km northeast of Vinicunca and is visible for many kilometers. Her ice cap rises above the surrounding landscape for more than a kilometer.

Ausangat - the most high mountain in the vicinity - has long been considered sacred. Divine services are held here daily. Every year, thousands of Quechua pilgrims visit the mountain during the Star Snow Festival, which takes place a week before the Corpus Christi holiday.

How to get to the Rainbow Mountains

Finding and getting to the Rainbow Mountains is quite difficult. Previously, the path to them from Cusco took at least 5 days.
direct bus routes not provided here. You can get to the village of Putimarka on local bus, then about 40 more kilometers to the destination.
There is an option to take a taxi.

But it is best to take advantage of an organized sightseeing tour, which starts a couple of hours before dawn and lasts all day.

Some of the most adventurous travelers prefer the 5-day hike from Cusco. This is how you can feel all the charm and pristine nature of the surrounding nature.

During the tour you will have the opportunity not only to see the Rainbow Mountains, but also to get acquainted with the locals, their customs and wildlife. Incredible landscapes of multi-colored mountains are not without reason listed by National Geographic magazine as one of the 100 places you need to visit in your life.

At the beginning of the article, we indicated that colored mountains can be found in many parts of our planet. Here are some of them for you.

Seven-colored, or Rainbow, mountain Vinicunca, which locals simply called the Colored Hill, located in the valley of the same name, belonging to the Vilcanota mountain range, which belongs to the legendary. It is located not far from the capital of the Incas - the city, about 170 kilometers away. Near Vinicunca there is an impressive six-thousander - Mount Ausangate over 6300 meters high, the peaks of which are covered with eternal snows. Those who are here will be lucky enough to see magnificent scenery With snow-capped peaks Ausangate, the colorful formations of the Rainbow Mountain and the piercing blue sky against the backdrop of the Peruvian deserts and very close to the Amazonian jungle.

The existence of multi-colored mountains in became known quite recently, since earlier (according to local residents) there was snow on the top, which, under the influence of global warming, began to melt, and the mountains took on the form that they have now. The first tourists visited here only in 2016, but the place very quickly gained popularity among visitors to Peru - both foreigners and locals. Name "Rainbow Mountain"Vinicunca received for a magnificent variety of colors - yellow, red, white, blue, gray, orange. The mountains in the Vinicunca valley are part of the Vilcanota cordillera and the extraordinary palette is due to the presence of sedimentary rocks in the erosion stage. These rocks formed in such a way that an array of seven colors was formed. This is especially impressive in combination with the height of the mountain itself - neither more nor less, almost 5 thousand meters!

Name Vinicunca comes from two Quechua words: wini - stone (there are always many stones characteristic of this place, they big size and black), and kunka - the neck (the bottleneck of the pass).

The Vinicunca Valley is located about 3 hours drive from, and having arrived here you can start trekking along the slopes of the Seven Colored Wonder of the World. The climb is not very steep, but at the same time it is quite long, so tourists need to stock up on strength. During the trek you will cross the purest rivers and spacious meadows, you can chat with local population and take a good look at local flora and fauna, including llamas, alpacas, vicunas.

Approximately 4 hours after the start of trekking, you will be on observation deck located on the mountain adjacent to Vinicunka. From here you have incredible views of rainbow mountain, as well as to the majestic Ausangate- the fifth highest among. Climbing the Colored Hill itself is prohibited, so as not to harm the landscape with numerous visits. The difficulty of trekking varies from medium to high and requires good physical condition. You can also climb on horseback. Whatever method of ascent - on foot or on horseback - you choose, the panoramas that open to your eyes fully compensate for the complexity of the path and the length of the time spent. Most importantly, do not forget to bring enough water, warm clothes and comfortable shoes, preferably sports or trekking. It is also advisable to have trekking poles.

In the villages of the Vinicunca Valley, there is no comfortable hotels, so to see the Seven Colored Mountain it is best to take day trip from Cusco. Departure time from the Inca capital is early in the morning, around 4 am.

Trekking directly to Mount Ausangate takes about 5 days and requires more serious preparation. Due to the high altitude of the area, as well as the fact that here is the edge of the snow, you need to keep in mind that the temperature at night can reach fifteen degrees Celsius below zero, or even lower, so your sleeping bags must be adapted for this. Limited in this area tourism infrastructure, therefore, during trekking, tourists use the infrastructure of local residents, and they will meet with the real local culture. You can also live in lodges (trekking routes may vary).

best time for trekking in Ausangate- from April to November. For 5 days of trekking you will reach a height of about five thousand meters, see glaciers, mountain rivers, lagoons with clear water blue and turquoise-blue, you can swim in hot springs. By the way, Ausangate is considered sacred mountain, where the locals perform rituals of worshiping mother earth, leave offerings to her, and the mountain itself is simply called Apu - Sacred.

A trek to the colored mountain Vinicunka and trekking to Ausangat can be combined.

On this moment Several mountains in the Cusco region are known as the Rainbow Mountains in Peru. The mountains are located in the same province of Kanchis of the Cusco region, but in different areas.

The Palcoyo Mountains are located in the Chekakupe area, Vinicunca in the Pitumarka area, which is further down the road.

Mount Vinicunca, aka Rainbow Mountain (Rainbow Mountain), Rainbow (Arco Iris), Mountain of Seven Flowers (Montaña de 7 colores), Red Hill (Cerro Colorado) - relatively new, but already popular route in the Cusco region, Peru. Recommended for connoisseurs of the beauty of nature in the mountains in good physical shape.

As a result of the formation of mountains on the faults of volcanic rocks, they have pronounced original colors, which give them tourist name Rainbow mountains.

In fairness, it should be noted that a similar phenomenon occurs not only in Peru, but also in China (Colorful mountains of Gansu)

IN THE USA. Several mountains in different states. Admittedly, paler than the Peruvian and Chinese counterparts. One of the US mountains in the picture below

Well, and of course, in Russia. Near Akhtubinsky, in the Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky reserve there is a mountain Big Bogdo. The most high point edges and sacred place for the Buddhists living there.

Well, if you are not going to Akhtubinsk, but have already bought tickets to Peru and love leisure, then visiting any of the Peruvian Rainbow Mountains, you will definitely leave vivid memories of the beauty of the Andes. I remember when I sent my photos from those places to my friends, they did not believe that this was not photoshop.

If you are going to these mountains, then remember that whoever has not adapted to the height in Cusco and immediately goes up the mountain right off the bat, he seriously risks not reaching it. Approximately once a year there is a fatal outcome. Locals in such cases say that the mountain took its victim.

But, all these difficulties can be avoided if you rent a horse and take trekking poles. Part way goes on some pretty steep climbs. Add to this the change of weather from the scorching sun to snow and this can happen 3-4 times along the way, plus, on the track, unlike China, there are no steps, then sticks will come in handy. You may get lucky and it will be sunny all the way, but it is better to be prepared for anything. An oxygen cylinder, which is sold in any pharmacy in Cusco, also does not hurt. Usually on private tours, your escorts will have one of these "to maintain the oxygen balance".

In that area there are vicuñas (a type of camel, like llamas) in wild nature. Nice sight. You can take many nice photos.

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It seems that these rainbow mountains were created by a kind wizard from a favorite children's fairy tale. Bright and bewitching, they just can't be real! And yet, it is so.

1. Landmannalaugar Park in Iceland. The territory of the park is located in the southern part of Iceland at the foot of the Hekla volcano.

2.

3. The cooled lava and rocks have formed a hypnotic and vibrant pattern that can be seen from July to September.

4. Pink, brown, green, yellow, blue, purple, black and white - nature did not spare its brightest colors for these mountains.

5. Blahnjukur ("blue peak") and Brennisteinsalda ("grey wave") are the most popular places among tourists.

6. mountain valley Quebrada de Humahuaca in Argentina

7. These mountains are the protruding part of the calcareous deposits that stretch from Peru to Salta through the territory of Bolivia. IN different time color days mountain peaks Hornocal in northwestern Argentina look completely different. Another gem of Argentina noteworthy- Mountain of seven colors. Complex geological deposits have created a rich palette of colors that gently blend into each other. It is best to appreciate the variety of colors in the morning.

8. Mount Vinicunca in Peru. Mount Vinicunca is part of mountain range Ornocal, which stretches from Peru to Bolivia.

9. This colorful array is enough hidden place and not many people know about it.

10. But the lucky ones who still managed to get to it, a truly bewitching view opens up.

11.

12. Colored Canyon in Egypt. This unusual canyon of multi-colored sandstone interspersed with granite, cobalt, copper and ancient corals is located in the southeast Sinai Peninsula. On the walls of the canyon there is the "Eye of Egypt" - a reminder of the ancient sea, under which the rocks used to hide.

13. Red, pink, yellow, gray, purple and white colors alternate with each other and create a fancy pattern on the stone.

For a month and a half in South America we bought six excursions. By the end of the trip, I was already sick of one combination of " group tour”, but the Rainbow Mountains (tour Tres Rainbows or Palccoyo from ), I can recommend.

It has not yet gained popularity, so there were few people, and unique nature and thousands of alpacas make you forget about the inconvenience.

Rainbow Mountains on the map

There are two types of tours: 1) Difficult trekking to the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and 2) Easy 15-20 minute walk from the parking lot to the three Palcoyo Mountains at once.

Red marks - popular tour Vinicunca, in blue - Palccoyo, where we were

Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca

Everyone buys this tour, but there is a light version. About him below

Wildly popular Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Tour ( rainbow mountain). Worth somewhere from 65 soles, average 90 soles from a person. Plus 10 soles mountain entrance + 8 soles for the red valley. Total from 26 to 35$

The price includes breakfast, lunch, guide, transport, oxygen cylinder, if anyone needs it. There is no point in booking online. In Cusco agencies it is much cheaper.

The tour is difficult. A minibus arrives at 3 in the morning, takes you along the serpentine to the mountains for 3 hours. As part of a tour group you go to the track 8 kilometers. Taking a photo in the background colorful mountains, going back down.

Only 16 km two ways at an altitude of 4300-5200 meters. At the same time, 500 people start every day.

Suggested along the way horse (60-70 soles), toilets, gloves, caps and food. The tour is suitable for those who have already adapted to the altitude and can walk long distances in the mountains at a pace.

In the evening return to Cusco. If you take this tour, then choose the one where the return route through red valley (Valle Roja).

Tres Rainbows Palccoyo Tour

I wanted rainbow mountains, but walking in a strange rhythm at such heights all day is somehow not very good. Found an alternative. Tour Tres rainbows, he is Tres montanas(Tres Montañas), aka Palccoyo or Pallqoyo.

Wildly beautiful, three Rainbow Mountains at once nearby, go to them from the parking lot 20 minutes, maximum height 4850m.

• Individual tours to Mount Palcoyo $95 per person, google rainbow mountain expeditions.

• Group the tour is worth it 80 soles (25$ ) + by 10 soles ($3) for entry. The tour is not sold everywhere, it is not advertised anywhere. We must ask. We bought from the first agency we came across. at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.

There is no road to these rainbow mountains even in maps.me (it will appear in time).

There were about 30 people. The most it is for lazy introverts or those who are not used to heights.

And yes, the mountains are really colorful. Photos from the phone without processing. Colors are more saturated in real life.

Tres Rainbows tour review

Departure at 4.20 am. In the evening they called from the agency and rescheduled for 6.20. At 7:00 a panting boy arrived at the hotel. Gathered with him people all over Cusco.

We left about 8, returned at 17.00. In Peru, no one cares about punctuality. For health, it is more useful to accept and forgive this fact in advance.

The first two hours we drove along the highway towards Puno. Nice but boring. It became more fun when we turned onto the gravel road and began to gain altitude. Hundreds of llamas, thousands of alpacas, potato terraces. Full sur.

The guide got carried away. She spoke in Spanish and English about the heavy share of the population of the Andes. People live in mud houses with no windows. It is strange that stoves are not built and freeze. Only potatoes grow, requiring daily attention.

Alpaca for the locals is not a cute fluffy smile, but wool and food. Llama is used to transport cargo (carries 50-80 kg). Animals roam freely on the slopes, but belong to different communities. Tassels on the ears of llamas allow you to recognize "their own".

We were at the Rainbow Mountains at 11 am. We walked for 2 hours, then hail with snow began. I had to leave. Of course, we wanted to stay in such a place longer, but we did not set the rules.

I especially enjoyed playing catch-up with the alpacas. There they are without grandmothers and shepherds. You can stroke if you can catch up.

I didn't have any symptoms of mountain sickness. On the contrary, it was easy to breathe, the fastest I ran to the viewing room in 15 minutes. Perhaps the bag of coke sweets, which I ate all the way, helped.

We have been at an altitude of 3000m+ for two weeks already and have adapted a bit. On the first day, it’s definitely not worth going from Cusco directly to the Rainbow Mountains.

There is also a park of stones, you can take such pictures ↓

Because of the swooping clouds, it was forbidden to go to the stones. Maybe you can get on.